New Director of Community Protection appointed for Hertfordshire County Council

In addition, the current deputy Chief Fire Officer, has been appointed as Hertfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer
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Hertfordshire County Council has appointed a new Director of Community Protection.

Alex Woodman, who is currently the Director of Public Protection and Licensing at Westminster City Council, will take up the role at the end of August.

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The Community Protection directorate provides many trusted services to Hertfordshire residents, communities and businesses, including Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS), Trading Standards and the Community Safety Unit.

Alex WoodmanAlex Woodman
Alex Woodman

His recent experience includes acting as Chief of Staff to the chairs of London wide strategic co-ordination and recovery groups related to the pandemic and the Grenfell Tower fire. Alex’s early career was spent as an operational police officer within the Metropolitan Police.

The Council’s Employment Committee met on May 27, and formally agreed this appointment as the culmination of an open recruitment process that included a national search, assessments and interviews with a panel of external partners and a panel of council staff.

In addition, Chris Bigland, currently deputy Chief Fire Officer, has been appointed as Hertfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, reporting to the Director of Community Protection.

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Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of the Council said: “We are delighted that Alex Woodman will be our new Director of Community Protection and that Chris Bigland will be our new Chief Fire Officer.

"Both bring a wealth of experience and exemplary service and I am very pleased that they will be taking up these roles.

"As well as responding to emergencies, the department has vital prevention and protection responsibilities to keep residents, communities and businesses safe and we look forward to working closely with Alex and Chris to continue this important work.”